Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference 2026: Full Schedule

9:45am MDT

Celebrate CTE!: Using Data to Brand and Build Your CTE Program

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

If you are looking to get the most bang for your buck out of the CTE programs(s) you oversee, celebrate your successes! This session looks at data points around key CTE program criteria and how this data can promote the impact of your CTE programs. We will investigate key outcomes that you can leverage to attract support for your program from a variety of stakeholders, including industry partners and potential funders.

Speakers

Megan Marx

Assistant Director, Academy Development, NAF

English teacher turned CTE enthusiast, Dr. Marx spent 16 years in K12 education. As Principal. opened up Elizabeth Public Schools’ 7th high school, in New Jersey, with a CTE focus. Megan led its development as a school-wide Academy of Finance that earned Distinguished mem... Read More →

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Mt. Sopris A

Concurrent Session

2:30pm MDT

Fluent Work - Highly Engaging, Literacy-Based CTE Instructional Strategies

Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Mt. Sopris A

This session introduces the Fluent Work framework—an instructional planning and reflection model that embeds literacy into career-connected learning using research-aligned, high-impact strategies grounded in the science of learning (John Hattie). Designed for administrators, instructional leaders, and program directors, the session demonstrates how literacy-based practices can be leveraged to improve engagement, rigor, and transfer across CTE and academic programs. Participants will experience interactive design challenges, structured discussion protocols, and digital thinking tools that mirror classroom implementation. Attendees will apply strategies directly to their leadership roles by mapping one Fluent Work strategy to a program goal, walkthrough focus, or improvement plan. Deliverables include a digital playbook, planning and reflection templates, a curated toolkit of resources, and a slide deck for turnkey implementation.

Speakers

Sandra Adams

VP Administration Division, ACTE

Sandra currently serves as a CTE administrator, instructional consultant, keynote speaker and ACTE Board member for Administration. Her passion for active learning and high-quality instruction led her to author four books on CTE instruction and meaningful collaboration, including... Read More →

Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Mt. Sopris A

Concurrent Session

4:00pm MDT

Connecting CBE With CTE: A Model for School Innovation and Workforce Readiness

Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Mt. Sopris A

The constantly evolving demands of a global, 21st-century workforce require educational systems to shift from 19^th century industrialized, time-based models of schooling to systems focused on mastery, adaptability, and measurable skill attainment. Two approaches that have gained national attention for addressing these needs are Competency-Based Education (CBE) and Career and Technical Education (CTE).

CTECS has joined forces with Marzano Resources over the past 3 years to align CBE with CTE and provide a coherent model for updating educational systems and strengthening pathways from school to career. The results have been dramatic.

This session will detail how admin teams in a 17-school state-level district has have collaborated to shift the existing system in comprehensive high schools, and used CTE teachers to model what CBE looks like in the real world, thereby evolving the mindsets of academic teachers throughout the state.

Speakers

Mike Ruyle

Connecting Competency-Based Education (CBE) with Career and Technical Education (CTE): A Model for School Innovation and Workforce Readiness, Marzano Resources

Dr. Mike Ruyle has led the creation and implementation of competency-based schools in Montana and California, and is a recognized authority in the areas of assessment practice, CTE, mindfulness in classrooms, social justice, and healing-centered schooling.

Nicole Walsh

Director of Accountability and School Improvement, Connecticut Technical Education and Career System

Nicole Walsh, EdD, serves as the director of accountability and school improvement for the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, where she leads district wide initiatives in educator evaluation, performance data systems, strategic planning, and school improvement. With... Read More →

Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Mt. Sopris A

Concurrent Session

8:00am MDT

Federal Policy Update

Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT

Mt. Sopris A

This session will provide a deep dive on the federal policy activity currently impacting CTE, including the latest on activities in Congress and the Administration. You will hear more about the implementation of Workforce Pell and new postsecondary accountability rules, proposed changes to the Uniform Grant Guidance, the latest on the federal budget and appropriations process, the looming mid-term elections and other issues on the congressional agenda in the remaining months of the year. We will also discuss ways to share CTE information with policymakers and build long-term support.

Speakers

Alisha Hyslop

Chief Policy, Research & Content Officer, ACTE

Dr. Alisha Hyslop has spent 25 years working in career and technical education and is
currently the Chief Policy, Research & Content Officer at the national Association for
Career and Technical Education. At ACTE, Alisha leads the organization’s policy,
advocacy, research, program... Read More →

Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Mt. Sopris A

Concurrent Session